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Fae of Alastríona #2
The Revered and the Pariah
A kingdom full of secrets. A queen ready to rise.
Arianna's story continues in the second book in the #1 bestselling The Fae of Alastríona series by J.E. Reed
Arianna has survived the brutality of slavery and senseless war and has revealed herself as The Divine. But she has yet to discover the heavy responsibilities of her new role.
With a new mating bond, Rion and Arianna are tested at every turn, especially when the male prophesied to be her mate is acting as regent of Ruadhán, the royal city of Alastríona.
Though she aims to learn from those with experience, her efforts become difficult when she realizes the council is keeping secrets. Her search for answers ensnares those closest to her as they struggle to unravel the mysteries surrounding the royal city and the Lord of Pádraigín.
Then, in a frenzy of bloodshed, one of them makes a terrible mistake, leading to exile and confusion. As Arianna’s world is turned upside down, she will be forced to decide who she can trust ... and what she is willing to fight for.
The second book in the #1 bestselling The Fae of Alastríona series returns readers to a land haunted by war, where hearts are tested and the truth will either destroy the continent or set it free.
Arianna's story continues in the second book in the #1 bestselling The Fae of Alastríona series by J.E. Reed
Arianna has survived the brutality of slavery and senseless war and has revealed herself as The Divine. But she has yet to discover the heavy responsibilities of her new role.
With a new mating bond, Rion and Arianna are tested at every turn, especially when the male prophesied to be her mate is acting as regent of Ruadhán, the royal city of Alastríona.
Though she aims to learn from those with experience, her efforts become difficult when she realizes the council is keeping secrets. Her search for answers ensnares those closest to her as they struggle to unravel the mysteries surrounding the royal city and the Lord of Pádraigín.
Then, in a frenzy of bloodshed, one of them makes a terrible mistake, leading to exile and confusion. As Arianna’s world is turned upside down, she will be forced to decide who she can trust ... and what she is willing to fight for.
The second book in the #1 bestselling The Fae of Alastríona series returns readers to a land haunted by war, where hearts are tested and the truth will either destroy the continent or set it free.
Unknown Binding
Published October 30, 2023
1675 people are currently reading
8639 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Reed
9 books452 followersJ.E. Reed lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and two cats. She’s always had an interest in writing, but didn’t explore that talent fully until 2015. Reed works as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the quiet town of Anderson. She graduated massage school in 2009 and has spent the last three years building her small business. She enjoys swimming, yoga and the occasional mud run with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 3, 2024
In a word: tedious
This book is a lot longer and slower than the first book. Nothing really happens in the first half. And what does happen is very repetitive. The mating bond is just frustrating, Arianna is more interested in her mate and his reputation than doing anything benevolently productive.
There were moments which were easy to read but much of the book was a struggle to get through. A lot of different POVs, to the point I skipped through some and didn’t miss much. None of the characters have much personality, especially the main ones.
I didn’t DNF it, and I’m a sucker for cliffhangers so I’ll probably read the next one
Spoilers below:
I found Rion and Arianna’s relationship very tiresome. Especially as Rion lost what little personality he had to become a simp for her (I’m happy with a little simpage, it was too much). This culminated in the shower scene at the end, when he wanted to show Arianna she had control by using her water powers to restrain him. Which lead to him getting flashbacks to his torture? I get that’s he’s masochistic but it was weird and uncomfortable.
This book is a lot longer and slower than the first book. Nothing really happens in the first half. And what does happen is very repetitive. The mating bond is just frustrating, Arianna is more interested in her mate and his reputation than doing anything benevolently productive.
There were moments which were easy to read but much of the book was a struggle to get through. A lot of different POVs, to the point I skipped through some and didn’t miss much. None of the characters have much personality, especially the main ones.
I didn’t DNF it, and I’m a sucker for cliffhangers so I’ll probably read the next one
Spoilers below:
I found Rion and Arianna’s relationship very tiresome. Especially as Rion lost what little personality he had to become a simp for her (I’m happy with a little simpage, it was too much). This culminated in the shower scene at the end, when he wanted to show Arianna she had control by using her water powers to restrain him. Which lead to him getting flashbacks to his torture? I get that’s he’s masochistic but it was weird and uncomfortable.
November 2, 2023
Gosh darn it another cliffhanger
Wow. What a wild ride this book was. I fell in love with Rion and Arianna in book 1 and in this book it really took off. The subterfuge and plot thickening. Not to mention sweet Ellie. Not everyone is who they seem and some have motives far sinister than any of them can imagine. But it will also test bonds and friendships and loyalties. I wasn't prepared for the rip your heart out moments where I cried like a baby at 2am.
I loved how we got to see more powers and gifts and even more of the lore of the Divine too has been really fun to explore. This book did NOT disappoint and I cannot wait until the third is released!
Spice is pretty much nonexistent but the plot well makes up for it and the flow is perfection. Do yourself a favor and read this series!!!
Wow. What a wild ride this book was. I fell in love with Rion and Arianna in book 1 and in this book it really took off. The subterfuge and plot thickening. Not to mention sweet Ellie. Not everyone is who they seem and some have motives far sinister than any of them can imagine. But it will also test bonds and friendships and loyalties. I wasn't prepared for the rip your heart out moments where I cried like a baby at 2am.
I loved how we got to see more powers and gifts and even more of the lore of the Divine too has been really fun to explore. This book did NOT disappoint and I cannot wait until the third is released!
Spice is pretty much nonexistent but the plot well makes up for it and the flow is perfection. Do yourself a favor and read this series!!!
December 30, 2024
Review will come soon! Stay active for when it comes! xEdit:
Review:
'Eye contact. Smile. Pretend.
Smile. Make eye contact. Look for Rion.
No. Don't look for Rion.'
Well... if this wasn't smth.. full of emotion and plot twists. (I have...48.... highlights...)
'The male stepped forward, but Rion snarled in response, flashing his teeth.'
Rion, Arianna, Talon, Ellie, and all the new characters introduced to us, love them all, some more than others. As to be expected.. erm, yh, Talon.... don't bite my head off but he kind of ticked me off during the first 10 - 15 ish percent of the book. Don't get me wrong I understand his feelings but it kind of annoyed me.
'Her mate gave her another childish smile. " I hoped you might read it to me."
Aaaahhhhhh Rion🥹I love how he was so protective of Arianna here. WAYYYYYY more than the first book! And I ate it up. Just wait until Arianna first encounters the other male in the kingdom she went to!!
Ellie!!!!😫🥹🥹🥹😭😭 I LOVE HER SO MUCH ITS UNHEALTHY!!! THE THINGS SHE DID FOR RION AND ARIANNA IS... UGHHH!!😭I CAN'T.
There was something abt it but I don't remember so it'll stay like that yes? Yes, great perfect.
"I never thought I'd have something like this. I never thought I'd get the chance to feel this way about anyone or have them feel anything for me in return. I'd walk through fire and sell my soul to keep it even if it were only for a few seconds more."
Oh Rion.... my poor broken man😭🥲
"And if I asked for the moon?" He tilted his head up toward the half crescent in the starry sky. "Then I'll spend the rest of my life reaching for it."
He's too good. Despite what people think of him. He's a kind, gentle soul, with a fierce heart for thoes he loves.
And Arianna with her steely hatred for slave's "I will NOT stand for slaves." I got so many goosebumps during that scene it's crazy.
Quotes(a lot):
"Hey Rion," Ellie raised her voice and Rion turned, chest raising and falling. "Care to cover yourself up? The Queen can't focus."
I was dying during this😭😂😂😂I literally love her so much!!
'He'd hated every second of the experience and Ellie had swatted- actually swatted - at his magic more than once,'
The magic everyone fears and Ellie is up close giving Rion a haircut while swatting at his magic😂does this girl have no fears??😂😂
"...because Arianna is yours and there is nothing in this world strong enough to tear you two apart."
So; giving Rion a haircut, swatting at his magic, being close to him when he doesn't like anyone apart from Arianna and apparently her now? What can't this girl do??
"You TOUCHED her?"
Rion is the TRUE definition of touch her and die. Except it was quiet the plot twist...😭🥲
This broke my heart, 'He screamed into the darkness that wouldnt hear him and fought against the shadows depicting his worst nightmares. And no one bothered to save him.'
That last sentence😭😭I was crying!!!
"Know I'm already yours." Niall👿🤬🤬🤬Step back b word. Know ur damned place.
"Prepare. Things are about to go to hell." I like hell. Book hell at least😈for Niall especially.
"Gods, Arianna, I said hot, not boil the whole damn river." 😂😂😂do I have to say anything?
"Look at me," she repeated. Reluctantly, he obeyed again. Silver lined her eyes. "Rion?"
I can't say anything without spoiling it but it's so sweet😭😭😭🥹
"I think he's forgotten the Queen gets to make any move she wants." Go Arianna go Arianna go!!! BURN THEM ALL IN HELL😈😈😈 Please❤️🔥😇
"Promise me this isn't goodbye." His lips parted and the ground shook again. Tears filled her eyes. "Promise me." 'Something in between' "I've never lied to you. I'm not going to start now."
*sigh* ladies, get yourselves a man like Rion.
'Talon's saddened gaze met her own and tears pricked her eyes as she understood.'
😢😭
"Arianna can't lose you, too."
"Oh, I have no plans for her to lose either of us."
UGHHGG. AFJSISJKAGSJHAGGAFSVS. ELLIE😭😭😭🥹🥹❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
'Ellie fell and fell and fell.'
Well....
HAPPY READING!!!
Review:
'Eye contact. Smile. Pretend.
Smile. Make eye contact. Look for Rion.
No. Don't look for Rion.'
Well... if this wasn't smth.. full of emotion and plot twists. (I have...48.... highlights...)
'The male stepped forward, but Rion snarled in response, flashing his teeth.'
Rion, Arianna, Talon, Ellie, and all the new characters introduced to us, love them all, some more than others. As to be expected.. erm, yh, Talon.... don't bite my head off but he kind of ticked me off during the first 10 - 15 ish percent of the book. Don't get me wrong I understand his feelings but it kind of annoyed me.
'Her mate gave her another childish smile. " I hoped you might read it to me."
Aaaahhhhhh Rion🥹I love how he was so protective of Arianna here. WAYYYYYY more than the first book! And I ate it up. Just wait until Arianna first encounters the other male in the kingdom she went to!!
Ellie!!!!😫🥹🥹🥹😭😭 I LOVE HER SO MUCH ITS UNHEALTHY!!! THE THINGS SHE DID FOR RION AND ARIANNA IS... UGHHH!!😭I CAN'T.
There was something abt it but I don't remember so it'll stay like that yes? Yes, great perfect.
"I never thought I'd have something like this. I never thought I'd get the chance to feel this way about anyone or have them feel anything for me in return. I'd walk through fire and sell my soul to keep it even if it were only for a few seconds more."
Oh Rion.... my poor broken man😭🥲
"And if I asked for the moon?" He tilted his head up toward the half crescent in the starry sky. "Then I'll spend the rest of my life reaching for it."
He's too good. Despite what people think of him. He's a kind, gentle soul, with a fierce heart for thoes he loves.
And Arianna with her steely hatred for slave's "I will NOT stand for slaves." I got so many goosebumps during that scene it's crazy.
Quotes(a lot):
"Hey Rion," Ellie raised her voice and Rion turned, chest raising and falling. "Care to cover yourself up? The Queen can't focus."
I was dying during this😭😂😂😂I literally love her so much!!
'He'd hated every second of the experience and Ellie had swatted- actually swatted - at his magic more than once,'
The magic everyone fears and Ellie is up close giving Rion a haircut while swatting at his magic😂does this girl have no fears??😂😂
"...because Arianna is yours and there is nothing in this world strong enough to tear you two apart."
So; giving Rion a haircut, swatting at his magic, being close to him when he doesn't like anyone apart from Arianna and apparently her now? What can't this girl do??
"You TOUCHED her?"
Rion is the TRUE definition of touch her and die. Except it was quiet the plot twist...😭🥲
This broke my heart, 'He screamed into the darkness that wouldnt hear him and fought against the shadows depicting his worst nightmares. And no one bothered to save him.'
That last sentence😭😭I was crying!!!
"Know I'm already yours." Niall👿🤬🤬🤬Step back b word. Know ur damned place.
"Prepare. Things are about to go to hell." I like hell. Book hell at least😈for Niall especially.
"Gods, Arianna, I said hot, not boil the whole damn river." 😂😂😂do I have to say anything?
"Look at me," she repeated. Reluctantly, he obeyed again. Silver lined her eyes. "Rion?"
I can't say anything without spoiling it but it's so sweet😭😭😭🥹
"I think he's forgotten the Queen gets to make any move she wants." Go Arianna go Arianna go!!! BURN THEM ALL IN HELL😈😈😈 Please❤️🔥😇
"Promise me this isn't goodbye." His lips parted and the ground shook again. Tears filled her eyes. "Promise me." 'Something in between' "I've never lied to you. I'm not going to start now."
*sigh* ladies, get yourselves a man like Rion.
'Talon's saddened gaze met her own and tears pricked her eyes as she understood.'
😢😭
"Arianna can't lose you, too."
"Oh, I have no plans for her to lose either of us."
UGHHGG. AFJSISJKAGSJHAGGAFSVS. ELLIE😭😭😭🥹🥹❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
'Ellie fell and fell and fell.'
Well....
HAPPY READING!!!
October 18, 2025
Love this series!
January 6, 2024
DNF @ 21%. It felt like the characters from the first book had been replaced with cheap copies. So much whining and dithering and no actual plot, it felt like. Not to mention the sheer amount of spelling errors made this early in the book made it just not worth continuing for me.
Read
March 4, 2024DNF: there are like five povs in this book and it’s confusing and feels a bit like a mess. Also the drama is very childish and doesn’t seem to follow where the last book left off.
July 10, 2025
Hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. I was hooked the whole time and never felt bored for a second — every time a scene unfolded, my jaw hit the ground. (Arianna and Rion seriously have my whole heart.)
November 9, 2023
Loved this book as much of the first although there are a few more perspectives in this one which you have to wrap your head around.
Waiting for book 3 though because we've ended on another cliff hanger 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Waiting for book 3 though because we've ended on another cliff hanger 🙄🙄🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
3.75 This was a good book especially the last 40% that’s when the plot ramped up and I couldn’t put it down but it just took to long to get to that point the characters in this are really written into the story well and there is character growth I just wanted this book to hit and while it did towards the end I feel I couldn’t rate it higher I’m hoping book 3 takes off from the start because I will be disappointed if it takes a while like his one did I’d still recommend this series but my honest opinion is it’s nothing to shout out about to be continued:
March 23, 2025
4/5 🌟
2/5 🌶️
This book had me till it lost me at the very end. Things are definitely about to get interesting but I wish Rion and Arianna had a chance to breathe and have a little bit of a life before shit hit the fan again. It seems like the most time they had together was when they were both in the war camp in the first book. We’ll see how this plays out or maybe we won’t. I’m not sure what I am going to read next yet :)
2/5 🌶️
This book had me till it lost me at the very end. Things are definitely about to get interesting but I wish Rion and Arianna had a chance to breathe and have a little bit of a life before shit hit the fan again. It seems like the most time they had together was when they were both in the war camp in the first book. We’ll see how this plays out or maybe we won’t. I’m not sure what I am going to read next yet :)
January 14, 2025
well folks I’ve done it again … STARTED A SERIES THAT I LOVE BUT ISNT COMPLETE…. It’s gonna be a long wait till march. But anyways…. I love the MMC/FMC relationship in this book. I cannot wait to see what happens with Arianna’s magic in the next one
November 29, 2023
I really loved this book. I think it was even better than the 1st, the 1st book was really good, but it didn't have as much political intrigue and plot as the 2nd one. There's a lot more story and it was such a good story like so many things happened like - it's a spoiler free review - but 10 out of 10 would recommend and I enjoyed that it's also a very unique story. I always feel like fantasy and romantasy books are prone to falling to the same tropes and feel very repetitive but this one was very unique and I very much enjoyed it. It had great plot twists and it was action-packed and it had great political intrigue and romance. I also enjoyed the added characters and the new depth to characters we already met in the first book. I enjoyed the multiple pov's. It had everything you'd want a book in this category to have (except smut😪) Can't wait to read the next one.
Plot: 5/5📝
Characters: 5/5🙊
Smut: n.a.
Overal: 5/5⭐️
Plot: 5/5📝
Characters: 5/5🙊
Smut: n.a.
Overal: 5/5⭐️
July 17, 2024
Que final tan amargo. Fue mi culpa igual, por no chequear si había más libros antes.
Me gustó mucho menos que el primero, se me hizo súper pesada la lectura y hubo partes importantes que sentí que fueron apresuradas y otras no importantes que fueron eternas.
Hubo muchos plot twist, algunos que me parecieron espectaculares, y otros que eran demasiado. Momentos en los que Arianna quedaba muy indefensa y sus enemigos muy poderosos, que casi perdía el sentido la lucha en si misma.
Ni hablar lo frustrante que me resultó la ingenuidad de Arianna. Todos la pisoteaban.
Si es que encuentro información del 3er libro (todavía no busque), no sé si lo voy a leer. Cómo resulta creíble que una chica de 18 años luche contra seres que llevan miles de años organizando su caída? Pienso.
Me gustó mucho menos que el primero, se me hizo súper pesada la lectura y hubo partes importantes que sentí que fueron apresuradas y otras no importantes que fueron eternas.
Hubo muchos plot twist, algunos que me parecieron espectaculares, y otros que eran demasiado. Momentos en los que Arianna quedaba muy indefensa y sus enemigos muy poderosos, que casi perdía el sentido la lucha en si misma.
Ni hablar lo frustrante que me resultó la ingenuidad de Arianna. Todos la pisoteaban.
Si es que encuentro información del 3er libro (todavía no busque), no sé si lo voy a leer. Cómo resulta creíble que una chica de 18 años luche contra seres que llevan miles de años organizando su caída? Pienso.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
2.8---Quite boring honestly, too much politics and random stuff. Rion lost his entire character in this book he had no structure to himself and just followed Arianna around like get a grip of yourslef your supposed to command an entire army 🙄 I had to start skim reading at some point like....
June 3, 2025
Is this book a masterpiece? No, not exactly. Am I obsessed with any of the characters? No again. Is the story still binge-worthy? I sure think so! I think the plot is well put together, though I would also say the romance is pretty melodramatic (the book is labeled as YA), so I’m not super invested. The story also checks a lot of classic romantasy boxes for me and that is something I do like. It feels almost nostalgic to me, maybe because I recognize other fantasy books that I’ve read within this one, like the author pulled ideas and inspiration from other stories to craft their own. I don’t know, it’s scratching an itch for me! I am enjoying and not pausing before picking up the third book!
*I listened on Audible. The narration is fine, not the best I’ve heard, but not the worst either. My gripe would be that the female reader always sounded like she was about to cry when she was voicing Arianna (which let’s be real, is an accurate depiction - it just amped up the melodrama and made me roll my eyes a lot).
*I listened on Audible. The narration is fine, not the best I’ve heard, but not the worst either. My gripe would be that the female reader always sounded like she was about to cry when she was voicing Arianna (which let’s be real, is an accurate depiction - it just amped up the melodrama and made me roll my eyes a lot).
July 6, 2024
I enjoyed this one even more than the first book, as there was just more going on, making the story even more engaging. The ending was completely unexpected, and I’m excited to see what happens next. While some parts of the story felt a bit rushed, overall, it was a compelling read that left me eager for more. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and adventure.
December 17, 2024
So so glad I finished this one. The first 60% of the book drones on and on about shit that doesn’t really matter. However, it was so worth it to push through. I really enjoy Rion and Arianna’s relationship and the way it grows/changes.
Totally looking forward to the third(technically fourth?) book coming in March 2025. Will be immediately ordering it if not pre-ordering it.
Totally looking forward to the third(technically fourth?) book coming in March 2025. Will be immediately ordering it if not pre-ordering it.
January 5, 2025
Ehhh
This book was in the middle for me. I'm getting just as frustrated as the main characters with all the obstacles in their way. I'm not liking the fear aspect. Understand it but wish the author wouldn't have gone down that road. My investment in side characters is growing. Still look forward to the next in the series.
This book was in the middle for me. I'm getting just as frustrated as the main characters with all the obstacles in their way. I'm not liking the fear aspect. Understand it but wish the author wouldn't have gone down that road. My investment in side characters is growing. Still look forward to the next in the series.
dnf
March 22, 2025Disappointed that this was a DNF for me because i really enjoyed and rated the 1st book highly. This one seemed like it was written by a totally different author and read more like fan fiction or an amateur author. Also i never want to read the word "mate" again in a book 😅
March 31, 2024
I couldn’t put this down! I wish the next book was out already!
April 6, 2024
Fantastic! The plot was so carefully constructed, everything flowed at the right pace, the characters were amazing. Honestly, no words could describe how good it was. Definitely recommend!!!
February 18, 2024
Me lo he comido con patatas. No es perfecto pero es que me da exactamente igual todo osea Rion supremacy🥰
January 20, 2025
Oh all the emotions this book put me through. I love Arianna and Rion even more after this book than I did in the first one.
The first half of the book is a comfortable exploration of their new circumstances, and the second half of the book is a high stakes, heart breaking and heart racing Romantasy!
❤️🔥 Fated Mate Bonds
❤️🔥 Political Intrigue
❤️🔥 Them against the world
❤️🔥 Burn the World
❤️🔥 Tragedy
❤️🔥 Strong & Determined FMC
❤️🔥 Touch them and ☠️
❤️🔥 Found Family
5⭐️ 🌶️(low spice, not descriptive)
The first half of the book is a comfortable exploration of their new circumstances, and the second half of the book is a high stakes, heart breaking and heart racing Romantasy!
❤️🔥 Fated Mate Bonds
❤️🔥 Political Intrigue
❤️🔥 Them against the world
❤️🔥 Burn the World
❤️🔥 Tragedy
❤️🔥 Strong & Determined FMC
❤️🔥 Touch them and ☠️
❤️🔥 Found Family
5⭐️ 🌶️(low spice, not descriptive)
April 6, 2025
3.25 ⭐
Book #2 of 5(?)
(Book #3 is a MMC prequel...?)
(Book #4 continues the main story, follows book #2)
(Book #5 yet to be published & supposedly the final book)
🆗 Fae, half-fae, humans
🆗 Politics, secrets & power plays
🆗 The "Divine": Prophecy/ Chosen one to be their saviour
🆗 Coming into power (not much progress)
🆗 Warring kingdoms
🆗 Monarchies
🆗 Fae have Powers (water, earth, plants, shadows, healing, illusions, fire,...)
🆗 Enemies to lovers
🆗 Mates
🆗 Age gap (Fae are immortal)
✅ "The demon": feared, powerful, doesn't trust others, has been hurt/rejected a lot
✅ Touch her and you die
✅ Touch him and you die
✅ MMC very careful, soft with the FMC
✅ FMC: kind, compassionate, sweet demeanor, but learning to fight for what is right
❗Betrayal
❗Torture (physical& psychological) & dealing with it afterwards
❗Slaves/slavery (inc children)
❗Abuse, hurt
❗Murder attempts
❗Kidnapping
❗Death & killing
❗Dealing with trauma, fear of touch, fear of betrayal
(But not too graphic and nor intense angst)
Notes:
INCONSISTENCIES & LACK OF EXPLANATION
🔸Mate bond
How does it work?
What triggers it?
It doesn't happen when they first meet...
There is a connection but then later on there is a rope tying their souls(?)
What can be done within a mate bond? Does it have limits?
Can they speak with each other? Locate?
Does it have degrees?
Does it work on a timeframe?
What sort of things can they exchange?
If a bond is broken can it be built again?
So many unanswered questions...and the characters do not look for them...
🔸Powers
It is all introduced quite messily.
This series would have benefited from some more clarity when explaining all the different types of powers and what differentiate them. Even if some are unknown to the MCs and only to be introduced later on, I don't recall there ever being given a good explanation for the ones the MCs know.
There is no proper presentation of the different types of powers, nor how they work and evolve, appear or present themselves, how they train or their limits.... nothing.
And they do seem to be quite different and have all sorts of variations and degrees, even if we do not count the half-breeds (half-fae).
It is just mentioned some bits and pieces here and there that translate into a very confusing explanation.
Supposedly, from what I understood, it appears as if this world is segregated by fae kingdoms and each one has Fae with its own type of power...?
One with water,
Another with plant life,
The third with shadows and fire,
And the last with illusions.
But overall this is just an oversimplification. I think it is supposed to have quite some degrees of variation.
I just don't see how they can be segregated so clearly...
Is the power just hereditary? If so, how can they be sure people with different types of power don't mix or have babies?
There is no mention of testing people to determine their power...
So much left to explain...
And not to mention the all so waited shift... It seems like some Fae have a shift form, an animal form they can shift into.
But once again no further explanation is given. And there are quite a few characters close to the MCs who have a shift form so I don't know why we were not given more information regarding this other than everyone wanting one.
🔸Characters behaviour
I felt some behaviours were quite a bit inconsistent when compared to the way the characters behaved in book 1 or their background/history.
There were also some tell-no-show moments in this book.
For example:
- Doubting but trusting
The MCs (especially the MMC) have all the reasons to be suspicious of a lot of people and be always careful to not fall into a trap or be deceived.
But then they end up trusting everything at face value and not second guessing their motives.
They may say they don't trust them but their actions don't show it.
They do not look for answers to confirm what they were told nor do they doubt their intentions.
Just because someone did something nice doesn't mean that is all there is to it, especially if they do not have the habit of doing that. It is more than completely natural and instinctive to be suspicious and the MCs actions do not translate that.
Which is quite confusing.
A lot of these characters went through very difficult times, with war, slavery, betrayal, lies,...they saw the worst in people...they should know better than most that what one says or appears doesn't always translate into actions or being true.
It is especially inconsistent for the MMC. He never had someone he could fully trust so he was always distrusting, super suspicious, never let anyone get away with anything and was always prepared for betrayal and took measures to always be one step ahead of his enemies, he is a highly decorated war general!
And in this book he was quite naive. He doesn't do his background checks nor make use of his spies or gather intelligence in order to know what they are dealing with.
Neither he nor all the other experienced characters!
Basically they left all that part for the 16 year old princess with no war experience.
❤️ Rion
I did love the MMC, he has had quite a hard life and needs all the love and support he can get and the world is so against him that it is so heart breaking.
He is willing to do anything, be anything to be able to taste just a tiny bit of happiness and consideration.
The poor baby is so powerful and feared... He just needs cuddle time with big hugs and kisses.
🔸Overall
To be honest, this book has a lot going on, maybe too much that could have been explored and explained a bit more.
I was a bit let down on the character and plot development. Quite a lot was pretty predictable and didn't have a believable feel to it.
Not going to continue reading the series for now because I just realized it is incomplete and I feel I stopped at a good place.
Book #2 of 5(?)
(Book #3 is a MMC prequel...?)
(Book #4 continues the main story, follows book #2)
(Book #5 yet to be published & supposedly the final book)
🆗 Fae, half-fae, humans
🆗 Politics, secrets & power plays
🆗 The "Divine": Prophecy/ Chosen one to be their saviour
🆗 Coming into power (not much progress)
🆗 Warring kingdoms
🆗 Monarchies
🆗 Fae have Powers (water, earth, plants, shadows, healing, illusions, fire,...)
🆗 Enemies to lovers
🆗 Mates
🆗 Age gap (Fae are immortal)
✅ "The demon": feared, powerful, doesn't trust others, has been hurt/rejected a lot
✅ Touch her and you die
✅ Touch him and you die
✅ MMC very careful, soft with the FMC
✅ FMC: kind, compassionate, sweet demeanor, but learning to fight for what is right
❗Betrayal
❗Torture (physical& psychological) & dealing with it afterwards
❗Slaves/slavery (inc children)
❗Abuse, hurt
❗Murder attempts
❗Kidnapping
❗Death & killing
❗Dealing with trauma, fear of touch, fear of betrayal
(But not too graphic and nor intense angst)
Notes:
INCONSISTENCIES & LACK OF EXPLANATION
🔸Mate bond
How does it work?
What triggers it?
It doesn't happen when they first meet...
There is a connection but then later on there is a rope tying their souls(?)
What can be done within a mate bond? Does it have limits?
Can they speak with each other? Locate?
Does it have degrees?
Does it work on a timeframe?
What sort of things can they exchange?
If a bond is broken can it be built again?
So many unanswered questions...and the characters do not look for them...
🔸Powers
It is all introduced quite messily.
This series would have benefited from some more clarity when explaining all the different types of powers and what differentiate them. Even if some are unknown to the MCs and only to be introduced later on, I don't recall there ever being given a good explanation for the ones the MCs know.
There is no proper presentation of the different types of powers, nor how they work and evolve, appear or present themselves, how they train or their limits.... nothing.
And they do seem to be quite different and have all sorts of variations and degrees, even if we do not count the half-breeds (half-fae).
It is just mentioned some bits and pieces here and there that translate into a very confusing explanation.
Supposedly, from what I understood, it appears as if this world is segregated by fae kingdoms and each one has Fae with its own type of power...?
One with water,
Another with plant life,
The third with shadows and fire,
And the last with illusions.
But overall this is just an oversimplification. I think it is supposed to have quite some degrees of variation.
I just don't see how they can be segregated so clearly...
Is the power just hereditary? If so, how can they be sure people with different types of power don't mix or have babies?
There is no mention of testing people to determine their power...
So much left to explain...
And not to mention the all so waited shift... It seems like some Fae have a shift form, an animal form they can shift into.
But once again no further explanation is given. And there are quite a few characters close to the MCs who have a shift form so I don't know why we were not given more information regarding this other than everyone wanting one.
🔸Characters behaviour
I felt some behaviours were quite a bit inconsistent when compared to the way the characters behaved in book 1 or their background/history.
There were also some tell-no-show moments in this book.
For example:
- Doubting but trusting
The MCs (especially the MMC) have all the reasons to be suspicious of a lot of people and be always careful to not fall into a trap or be deceived.
But then they end up trusting everything at face value and not second guessing their motives.
They may say they don't trust them but their actions don't show it.
They do not look for answers to confirm what they were told nor do they doubt their intentions.
Just because someone did something nice doesn't mean that is all there is to it, especially if they do not have the habit of doing that. It is more than completely natural and instinctive to be suspicious and the MCs actions do not translate that.
Which is quite confusing.
A lot of these characters went through very difficult times, with war, slavery, betrayal, lies,...they saw the worst in people...they should know better than most that what one says or appears doesn't always translate into actions or being true.
It is especially inconsistent for the MMC. He never had someone he could fully trust so he was always distrusting, super suspicious, never let anyone get away with anything and was always prepared for betrayal and took measures to always be one step ahead of his enemies, he is a highly decorated war general!
And in this book he was quite naive. He doesn't do his background checks nor make use of his spies or gather intelligence in order to know what they are dealing with.
Neither he nor all the other experienced characters!
Basically they left all that part for the 16 year old princess with no war experience.
❤️ Rion
I did love the MMC, he has had quite a hard life and needs all the love and support he can get and the world is so against him that it is so heart breaking.
He is willing to do anything, be anything to be able to taste just a tiny bit of happiness and consideration.
The poor baby is so powerful and feared... He just needs cuddle time with big hugs and kisses.
🔸Overall
To be honest, this book has a lot going on, maybe too much that could have been explored and explained a bit more.
I was a bit let down on the character and plot development. Quite a lot was pretty predictable and didn't have a believable feel to it.
Not going to continue reading the series for now because I just realized it is incomplete and I feel I stopped at a good place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
I'm really hoping this series is the first written by this author. Otherwise, the writing style, typos, errors, and just plain and simple holes in the storyline are aggravating. I keep reading because the storyline truly is good, it's just delivered poorly. The author has a bad habit of "telling" us everything instead of "showing" us. without spoiling it, a very important character makes an escape towards the end and we are just reading along and suddenly find out that this happened. She should have instead, allowed her reader to happen upon the area where the character was being held, and been shocked to see they were gone, etc. I made several notes throughout the book of irritation at a lack of detail, information, contradictions, and holes.
August 13, 2024
Addicting- love the characters and twists happen that you def don’t expect. Annoyed this is yet another unfinished series, im now addicted to.
November 13, 2025
reaaaaally enjoyed this book. left us on such a cliffhanger, cannot wait for the next book in this series
November 26, 2023
The first thing I have to say is I was shocked when I realised how long this book was considering the first book was quite standard length at 384 pages and this was a whopping 850. It definitely had a lot more world building though which I enjoyed though I do feel that it either should've been cut down by 150 pages or split into two books.
I loved Arianna and Rion's relationship and was heartbroken by the plot twist towards the middle/end but I'm glad they were both healing from it by the end of the book because I think if we were left on that cliffhanger I would have rioted. They were super cute taking time out of their day to learn about each other and how thoughtful they were of each other. Rion trying so hard to mend his reputation for Arianna was heartwarming and her faith in him that he's not the monster people think he is was beautiful.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ellie and Talon better and I especially adored Ellie. I also loved Saoirse and I hope in the next book we get to learn more about their brother, Alec especially since their mother was found. I did skim read some of the other POV chapters that weren't Arianna and Rion's towards the end because I'm impatient and I didn't really care about the other characters love stories (also super strange that literally every side character found their mate in this book) and I would have preferred if the side character's POV chapters had focused more on plot than romances.
The villain of this book, Niall, was so bloody annoying and I really wanted to maim him. I wish Arianna would have broken through his glamours on her own instead of being told because everyone talked about how smart she was and yet she was really naive when it came to Niall. I know part of this was him manipulating her emotions but I was disappointed even earlier in the book when Talon had to tell her that Niall would want Rion out of the way so he could become the king because that just seemed really obvious. I don't know, maybe I'm being picky but yeah everyone talked about how smart she was but she literally did not figure anything out on her own nor did she make any of the plans. Though it does make sense I guess considering she is 18 and Niall was like 500 years old, it was just annoying and would have been nice to see /her/ be one step ahead of him at least once.
All in all, this was a good read and I'm super excited to see where the next book takes us after the cliffhanger of this one. I'm sure Arianna will stop at nothing to find her sister and with the return of Rion's mother I'm hoping the next book will have Arianna and co spending some time in Bronach.
I loved Arianna and Rion's relationship and was heartbroken by the plot twist towards the middle/end but I'm glad they were both healing from it by the end of the book because I think if we were left on that cliffhanger I would have rioted. They were super cute taking time out of their day to learn about each other and how thoughtful they were of each other. Rion trying so hard to mend his reputation for Arianna was heartwarming and her faith in him that he's not the monster people think he is was beautiful.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ellie and Talon better and I especially adored Ellie. I also loved Saoirse and I hope in the next book we get to learn more about their brother, Alec especially since their mother was found. I did skim read some of the other POV chapters that weren't Arianna and Rion's towards the end because I'm impatient and I didn't really care about the other characters love stories (also super strange that literally every side character found their mate in this book) and I would have preferred if the side character's POV chapters had focused more on plot than romances.
The villain of this book, Niall, was so bloody annoying and I really wanted to maim him. I wish Arianna would have broken through his glamours on her own instead of being told because everyone talked about how smart she was and yet she was really naive when it came to Niall. I know part of this was him manipulating her emotions but I was disappointed even earlier in the book when Talon had to tell her that Niall would want Rion out of the way so he could become the king because that just seemed really obvious. I don't know, maybe I'm being picky but yeah everyone talked about how smart she was but she literally did not figure anything out on her own nor did she make any of the plans. Though it does make sense I guess considering she is 18 and Niall was like 500 years old, it was just annoying and would have been nice to see /her/ be one step ahead of him at least once.
All in all, this was a good read and I'm super excited to see where the next book takes us after the cliffhanger of this one. I'm sure Arianna will stop at nothing to find her sister and with the return of Rion's mother I'm hoping the next book will have Arianna and co spending some time in Bronach.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
Absolutely loved this book!! I won't lie and say it's amazing because frankly there is some stuff I thought could have been better. HOWEVER it does deserve 5 stars since it's been a while since I've enjoyed a fae romantacy book & felt sm for the characters, so read it if you wanna cry a bit.
Things I loved:
- The fleshed out characters, mc's & side characters all have unique personalities and I love them all, some ofc grew on me eventually
- I personally needed something long to read so the pacing in this book was great plus i LOVE multiple pov's. I also rlly enjoyed how in the first half we actually get to see the mc's r/ship grow stronger with them learning about each other. Actually, I find their r/ship on a whole the most adorable thing ever which is why my heart broke later on.
- Ellie being the best sister & supportive non-judgmental friend to rion
- Rion's character as a whole, there's no complaints, he's perfect and I would die for him. Truly a top 10 book bf but anyways, absolutely loved seeing more of his abilities and eventual forgiveness arc? Well, more like a start but the reveal of what he is to the divine wasn't that surprising.
- Seeing more of Arianna's true abilities, tho I feel like we could have seen more
Things I didn't like:
- The obvious villain & Arianna being a bit too naive in thinking he wasn't as much of a psycho he so clearly is
- The wasted potential of Naill & how easy they "defeated" him.
Things I can't wait to see in the next book:
- Everyone especially Alec and those of bronach ON THEIR KNEES apologizing to rion, okay maybe that's a bit much since he isn't exactly innocent....but still
- Rion's forgiveness arc is much needed & him starting to see himself not as a monster but the protector and goddamn KING he is
- Arianna's animal shift and seeing her true abilities.
- Eimear's seer abilities & eventual family reunion
There's so much in this book to unpack but I will say it was an enjoyable read and I literally read the 1st book in the series January this yr and reread it again now before reading the 2nd one. I can't wait to reread them all again when the 3rd book comes out ❤️
Things I loved:
- The fleshed out characters, mc's & side characters all have unique personalities and I love them all, some ofc grew on me eventually
- I personally needed something long to read so the pacing in this book was great plus i LOVE multiple pov's. I also rlly enjoyed how in the first half we actually get to see the mc's r/ship grow stronger with them learning about each other. Actually, I find their r/ship on a whole the most adorable thing ever which is why my heart broke later on.
- Ellie being the best sister & supportive non-judgmental friend to rion
- Rion's character as a whole, there's no complaints, he's perfect and I would die for him. Truly a top 10 book bf but anyways, absolutely loved seeing more of his abilities and eventual forgiveness arc? Well, more like a start but the reveal of what he is to the divine wasn't that surprising.
- Seeing more of Arianna's true abilities, tho I feel like we could have seen more
Things I didn't like:
- The obvious villain & Arianna being a bit too naive in thinking he wasn't as much of a psycho he so clearly is
- The wasted potential of Naill & how easy they "defeated" him.
Things I can't wait to see in the next book:
- Everyone especially Alec and those of bronach ON THEIR KNEES apologizing to rion, okay maybe that's a bit much since he isn't exactly innocent....but still
- Rion's forgiveness arc is much needed & him starting to see himself not as a monster but the protector and goddamn KING he is
- Arianna's animal shift and seeing her true abilities.
- Eimear's seer abilities & eventual family reunion
There's so much in this book to unpack but I will say it was an enjoyable read and I literally read the 1st book in the series January this yr and reread it again now before reading the 2nd one. I can't wait to reread them all again when the 3rd book comes out ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
slowly gained speed
Fantasy
Romance
Fated mates
Battles
War torn world
Naive FMC
Cinnamon roll MMC
Morally gray
Touch her and die
Self growth
Magic
Elemental Magic
Mates torn apart
Angst
Revelations
Interesting lovable side characters
Multiple POV
Second book in a series
Cliffhanger
TW: torture
Spice: 0.5/5 (fade to black)
FMC: Arianna
MMC: Rion
Did I enjoy the book? Yes
Would I read this book again? Probably not
Will I continue the series? Probably
Will I read from this author again? Yes
The story took awhile to get going. I definitely don’t think it needed to be so long. There wasn’t a lot of movement in the first half. I did a lot of skimming and it took until 50 percent into the book to really start getting interesting. I saw the plot coming a mile away. It’s hard to get a sense of placement of time in the story as far as technology goes. Like are we living in medieval times was hearth and fires and sconces or are we more advanced with stoves and knobs because there are both in the story. Dress suggests medieval with tunics, but then we have short sleeves and pants and gowns. I don’t know, but it drives me a little crazy.
I didn’t think Arianna really had any growth. She was supposed to be stronger in this book, but ended up being naive and like a damsel in distress. She’s a queen. Start acting like it. I hope Raevina continues to call her out on being so weak. Arianna shows flashes of strength when she’s in a fight but when she was in the city she just read so weak. Ellie was stronger than Arianna. In fact, I need the 2 of them to have a personality transplant. Ellie is a genius and I want her to be the main character.
Loved Rion. He had some good growth. Really started to trust people. I definitely didn’t see how everything went down and he got blamed for it coming. Jaw was on the floor a bit. Weirdly enough, after his ordeal he seemed like a calmer person.
Liked all the new characters except for Niall and the super bad guy. The last like 10 pages we finally get some answers to questions we’ve been wondering the whole series while the evil High lord does a story time. Ellie is in danger and we are left there. how did Arianna not know her sister is missing when the girl is loud AF!?
Fantasy
Romance
Fated mates
Battles
War torn world
Naive FMC
Cinnamon roll MMC
Morally gray
Touch her and die
Self growth
Magic
Elemental Magic
Mates torn apart
Angst
Revelations
Interesting lovable side characters
Multiple POV
Second book in a series
Cliffhanger
TW: torture
Spice: 0.5/5 (fade to black)
FMC: Arianna
MMC: Rion
Did I enjoy the book? Yes
Would I read this book again? Probably not
Will I continue the series? Probably
Will I read from this author again? Yes
The story took awhile to get going. I definitely don’t think it needed to be so long. There wasn’t a lot of movement in the first half. I did a lot of skimming and it took until 50 percent into the book to really start getting interesting. I saw the plot coming a mile away. It’s hard to get a sense of placement of time in the story as far as technology goes. Like are we living in medieval times was hearth and fires and sconces or are we more advanced with stoves and knobs because there are both in the story. Dress suggests medieval with tunics, but then we have short sleeves and pants and gowns. I don’t know, but it drives me a little crazy.
I didn’t think Arianna really had any growth. She was supposed to be stronger in this book, but ended up being naive and like a damsel in distress. She’s a queen. Start acting like it. I hope Raevina continues to call her out on being so weak. Arianna shows flashes of strength when she’s in a fight but when she was in the city she just read so weak. Ellie was stronger than Arianna. In fact, I need the 2 of them to have a personality transplant. Ellie is a genius and I want her to be the main character.
Loved Rion. He had some good growth. Really started to trust people. I definitely didn’t see how everything went down and he got blamed for it coming. Jaw was on the floor a bit. Weirdly enough, after his ordeal he seemed like a calmer person.
Liked all the new characters except for Niall and the super bad guy. The last like 10 pages we finally get some answers to questions we’ve been wondering the whole series while the evil High lord does a story time. Ellie is in danger and we are left there. how did Arianna not know her sister is missing when the girl is loud AF!?
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